The Melbourne Holocaust Museum is in Elsternwick, outside central Melbourne. Its permanent exhibition, Everybody Had A Name, follows individual lives from before the war through liberation and the rebuilding of life in Melbourne. Photographs, documents, objects and recorded testimony give those stories a personal focus. The museum was established by Holocaust survivors in 1984 and also has spaces for younger audiences and remembrance. Plan time to take in the displays, and be prepared for difficult material. Survivor-led talks and tours may be available on selected days.
A survivor-founded museum in Elsternwick
The museum was founded in Elsternwick in 1984 by Holocaust survivors. Its work centres on remembrance and education, using the Holocaust to challenge racism and encourage harmony in the community.
The collection includes thousands of original documents, photographs, artworks and objects from the Holocaust period, as well as more than 1,300 recorded survivor testimonies. A specialist Holocaust library is also part of the centre.
Individual lives in Everybody Had A Name
The permanent exhibition follows people through life before the war, the Holocaust, liberation and the rebuilding of their lives in Melbourne. Its focus on individual experiences brings together personal testimony and historical material.
The museum also has a section for younger audiences and a separate space for remembrance. School students take part in its education program, which is a central part of the centre’s work.
Planning a thoughtful visit
Tours and talks led by Holocaust survivors are sometimes available, but the schedule can change. Check ahead if hearing a firsthand account is important to your visit.
Give yourself time to move through the exhibitions and pause afterward. The material can be confronting, and a visit may take several hours if you explore the displays and join a guided experience. The museum is in Elsternwick, so plan your journey from central Melbourne.
FAQ
Is entry to Melbourne Holocaust Museum free?
Yes. Entry is free, and donations are welcome.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Allow several hours if you want time for the exhibitions and a guided experience.
Can I hear a Holocaust survivor speak?
Survivor-led tours or talks may be available on some days. Check the current schedule before visiting.
When is the museum open?
It is open Tuesday to Friday and Sunday, and closed Monday and Saturday. Check current hours before you go.
